Established Business Category
Open to individuals 18 years of age or older who currently own or manage a small business in Gwinnett County that is 36 months old or less as of April 1, 2017.

Pre-Venture Category
Open to contestants who live in Gwinnett County and have an idea for a business but are not yet open for business.

Contestants enter their business plan summaries for an opportunity to win big prizes to support their startup. Applicants will be judged based on the quality of the business plan summary and the business’s market viability.
But, beyond the prizes, contestants benefit greatly from the knowledge gained and contacts made through participation in the contest. Even contestants who don’t place as Finalists often find new customers just by taking advantage of the process. If you’re eligible, you should enter!

2017 Contest Schedule:

May 1: Contest opens for entry submissions

August 7: Contest deadline at 5:00 pm

After deadline: the SBDC evaluates entries and picks the Pre-Venture and Established Business Finalists

August 24:Contestant Reception (By invitation only); Finalists will be announced and reception attendees will select a Pre-venture company that is the “Most Likely To Succeed”

Sept 6 & 7: Workshops held for finalists on how to prepare oral presentations

September 2017: Finalists’ oral presentations to the Selection Committee (dates to be determined)

October 12, 2017: Finalists invited to the Pinnacle Awards at the Gwinnett Chamber Small Business Summit where both category winners are announced.

Contestant Reception – Exclusive / By Invitation
This evening event will feature announcement of the Finalists in both categories, as well as an opportunity for all attendees to select a Pre-venture company that is the “Most Likely To Succeed.”

Top–scoring Established Business contestants will be invited to set up a display of their products or services. More details will be sent to invitees as the event approaches.

“I was greatly honored to receive this special recognition as a member of the local business community. More than anything, this contest was a gateway for me to a new world of tools that Partnership Gwinnett was willing to offer to me and other businesses like mine. In addition to providing me with much needed recognition for my hard work, the contest has been an enormous educational opportunity for me and my business, helping me to visualize a new future. Thank you for facilitating Sky High Tutoring’s transformation into the service it is today.”

“Being a part of the Amazing Entrepreneur contest has been just that – AMAZING. It has confirmed our proof of concept within the business community and provided us access to resources we may not have reached as easily. It has propelled us forward on a path to success while equipping us with a strong foundation. The support from the business community and the program sponsors has been priceless. We are grateful for the experience and look forward to more great opportunities.”

“Being recognized as the 2013 Amazing Entrepreneur was akin to being stamped with the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. We felt as though we had truly “arrived” in the business community. It was such a great honor for us and our team’s hard work over the past three years in launching the company. With such strong support from the Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, we feel encouraged as we continue to grow upward and expand our efforts in helping our clients to secure the future and to change the lives of those they serve.”

“Participating in the Amazing Entrepreneur contest was a great experience for us. As an early-stage startup, the prize package was a huge help. But the benefits go much further. The connections, networking events, and speaking opportunities that the program provided helped spread the word about our company. It was just the type of support we needed.”

“Winning the grand prize probably accelerated recognition of my company by at least one year. A web search of my business will show the Amazing Entrepreneur award and the contest sponsors; very compelling credibility-builders in my opinion. The well thought-out contest prizes were also unequivocal accelerators. Five months after the competition, I’m at full capacity, realizing uptrend revenue, and ready to move into the second phase of the business plan. Did the Amazing Entrepreneur contribute to my company’s early success? The clear answer is yes!’”